Drug Smuggling Attempt Lands South African Woman and Brazilian Man in Bali Court. Image: Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP via Jacaranda News.
(The Post News)– Authorities have formally charged a 32-year-old South African woman, Lungile Ntombenhle Mzimela, and a 25-year-old Brazilian man after they allegedly attempted to smuggle a total of four kilograms of narcotics into Bali, Indonesia. The arrests were made on July 13, 2024, at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali.
According to reports, the two suspects were arrested separately upon arrival from different international destinations. A coordinated effort by the Bali National Narcotics Agency (BNNP) led to the discovery of drugs in both cases.
Made Sinar Subawa, Head of the BNNP Eradication Division, stated that Lungile Mzimela was found with crystal methamphetamine hidden in black underwear she was wearing. During police interrogation, Mzimela confessed that she had been sent from Johannesburg, South Africa, and promised a payment of Rp 25 million (Indonesian Rupiah) upon successful delivery of the narcotics.
In a separate incident, the 25-year-old Brazilian suspect was caught carrying two bags of cocaine weighing just over 3 kg. Authorities revealed that he allegedly promised a payment of Rp. 400 million by a man identified as Tio Paulo, believed to be based in Brazil.
Both suspects are currently in custody and face serious drug trafficking charges under Indonesia’s strict narcotics laws. The arrests highlight ongoing concerns about international drug trafficking networks targeting Indonesia, particularly through Bali’s international airport, a known entry point.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation to combat narcotics smuggling and protect Bali from becoming a hub for drug trafficking.
Journalist-Kgopotso@thepostnews.net
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